Expert skills and cutting-edge facilities

Through seven platforms, the LCSB provides scientific services: access to specific equipment and expertise needed to support research in various fields.

Cutting across disciplines, from neurosciences to data science, from immunology to microbiology, the LCSB integrates different technologies and models. Platforms guarantee that important resources are easily available to all research groups. They also offer fee-based customised services to external users at national and international level. The existing facilities provide state-of-the-art equipment in the fields of sequencing and single-cell analysis, metabolomics, animal research, bioinformatics, bioimaging and high through-put screening.

The seven platforms are run by highly skilled teams. These dedicated platform managers and technicians contribute to method development and ensure knowledge transfer. Over the coming years, the LCSB platforms will keep developing their portfolios, in close alignment with the needs of the scientific community.

The Aquatic platform consists of a modern, semiautomated facility that provides husbandry and embryo production for zebrafish. Robotic feeding and maintenance of micro-environmental conditions ensure excellent conditions for research quality and animal welfare. The platform offers services such as the generation of disease models, small molecule screens and toxicological studies.

The Genomics platform offers next-generation sequencing using a combination of instruments. Its services range from advice on experimental design, quality controls of samples and library preparation to primary data analysis. Expertise is available for single cell RNA sequencing, meta-transcriptomics, metagenomics, targeted gene sequencing and long read DNA sequencing.

The Rodent platform develops animal models such as humanised and germ-free mice. It comprises a breeding area and an experimental area. Scientists can run a broad range of procedures: creation of transgenic lines, stereotaxic surgery and motor behaviour studies. Work in the two animal platforms requires specific training and is done in compliance with ethical standards and animal protection laws.

Using state-of-the-art technologies, the Metabolomics platform provides high quality mass spectrometrybased measurements of a wide range of small molecules in biological samples. The platform offers both gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) services, and continuously develops new analytical methods.

The Bioinformatics platform offers expertise and infrastructure for data management and large data storage. The services include workflows for data capture and analysis, assistance in the curation of clinical data and access to bioinformatics tools. The platform contributes to the integration of data across different disciplines. It also provides support for data visualisation. Lastly, it maintains web services for researchers and the IT infrastructure needed for experimental work in the lab.

The Bioimaging platform grants access to high-resolution microscopy and flow cytometry instruments. They are used for the observation of fixed and live samples, and for low-phototoxicity imaging of whole organs and organisms. These technologies are complemented by sophisticated image analysis of cell morphology, topology and cellular dynamics.

The Disease modelling & screening platform provides services related to early drug discovery and access to high‐throughput screening equipment. It is a collaboration between the LCSB and the Luxembourg Institute of Health. It facilitates the translation of scientific discoveries into tangible drug candidates, helping researchers develop cellular disease models and perform phenotypic screenings.